explain how the amount of RAM in a personal computer affects the performance of the computer

explain the need for virtual memory

Suggested time: 50 mins

Starter:

I suggest starting with this activity adapted from a resource courtesy of Philip Upstone – “Main Memory - Kinaesthetic Activity”. You can find the original here: (http://community.computingatschool.org.uk/resources/938). In this activity, students move around the room simulating the transfer of data between various storage locations such as RAM, Cache memory, Secondary Storage and Virtual memory.

Start by explaining the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory. Next, show students images of different types of memory and ask them to try to identify each whilst stating whether they think each example is volatile or non-volatile. Next, show students the following two videos from Cambridge GCSE Computing Online – “The difference between RAM and ROM – Part A”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URYPErhTkMY & “The difference between RAM and ROM – Part B”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbAbhuTELWE

Next, split the class into small groups and challenge them to create a revision resource on different types of memory. Suggestions:

Tip: For a bit of fun, you could introduce the activity using a Voki (http://www.voki.com). A Voki is a free service that allows you to create personalised speaking avatars and use them on your blog, website, and in email messages.

Students should include in their revision resource:

1. A description of each of the following:

a. RAMb. ROMc. Flash Memoryd. Virtual Memory

Include in your description:

a) What it’s used forb) What it storesc) What happens when it loses power

2. An explanation of why having higher amounts of RAM can speed up your system.

(Above) For a bit of fun, use a Voki to introduce the main task.

Resources:

Provide students with the following links to help them complete their task: